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VK10 vs YG3

Ceramic · grade comparison

VK10 and YG3 are both ceramic grades. VK10 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for YG3, and YG3 is harder (1,580 HV vs 1,290 HV). VK10 is lighter (14.4 g/cm³ vs 15.1 g/cm³ for YG3) and YG3 is stiffer (650 GPa vs 580 GPa).

VK10Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

YG3Choose it when the part sees heat.

VK10 vs YG3: properties

VK10YG3

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

580 GPa84.1 Msi
650 GPa94.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

232 GPa33.6 Msi
268 GPa38.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

360 GPa52.2 Msi
385 GPa55.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.23
0.21

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

1,150 MPa167 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.1%
0%

Compressive Strength

4,200 MPa609 ksi
6,000 MPa870 ksi

Flexural Strength

1,500 MPa218 ksi
1,200 MPa174 ksi

Shear Strength

950 MPa138 ksi
900 MPa131 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

13.5 MPa·√m12.3 ksi·√in
8.5 MPa·√m7.7 ksi·√in

Hardness, Vickers

1,290 HV
1,580 HV

Hardness, Knoop

1,350 HK
1,500 HK

Same in both: Hardness, Mohs 9

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

14.4 g/cm³0.52 lb/in³
15.1 g/cm³0.55 lb/in³

Porosity

0.04%
0.02%

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,320°C2,408 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

78 W/m·K45.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
88 W/m·K50.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F
210 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

5.5 µm/m·K3.1 µin/in·°F
4.4 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

550°C1,022 °F
600°C1,112 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 2×10⁻⁷ Ω·m7.87 µΩ·in · Volume Resistivity 2×10⁻⁵ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

5 / 100
3 / 100

Polishability

85 / 100
92 / 100

Same in both: Sintering / Firing Temperature 1,420°C2,588 °F

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

130 MJ/kg55,890 BTU/lb
250 MJ/kg107,481 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

8.5 kg CO₂/kg
20 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

—
500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

80 kN·m/kg
73 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

40.3 MN·m/kg
43 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

24.6 mm²/s
27.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

28
34

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

501002005001,000234567Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityVK10YG3
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

VK10 vs YG3 — frequently asked

What is the difference between VK10 and YG3?

VK10 and YG3 are both ceramic grades. VK10 is the more ductile: elongation 0.1% versus 0% for YG3, and YG3 is harder (1,580 HV vs 1,290 HV). VK10 is lighter (14.4 g/cm³ vs 15.1 g/cm³ for YG3) and YG3 is stiffer (650 GPa vs 580 GPa).

Which is cheaper, VK10 or YG3?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose VK10 over YG3?

Pick VK10 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick YG3 when the part sees heat.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in VK10 and YG3 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.